Gaius Maenius

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Gaius Maenius (presumably Gaius Maenius Antiaticus) was a Roman statesman and general who lived in 338 BC. To consul and twice, 320 and 314 BC. Was appointed dictator .

Consular Office and the Latin War

Maenius was born in 338 BC. As a descendant of a plebeian family , he was elected consul with Lucius Furius Camillus during the final phase of the Second Latin War . He commanded the Roman Navy , which defeated the armies of Antium , Lanuvium , Ariccia and Velitrae in the Battle of Antium on the Astura River. The victory ensured the conquest of Lazio . After the victory, he took six of the ramming spurs from enemy ships, called "Rostra", and placed them in the Roman Forum , which as " Rostra " adorned the platform of the forum. Both Maenius and his counterpart were granted a triumphal procession in Rome and equestrian statues were erected, which was considered a rare honor. The statue of Maenius was placed on a column near the Capitol , known as the "Columna Maenia". It is also possible that he took the nickname "Antiaticus" in reference to his victory.

Time as dictator and censor

320 BC In BC Maenius was made dictator to investigate conspiracies and secret plans of the most distinguished families of Rome who worked with the citizens of Capua . Maenius made Marcus Foslius Flaccinator his Magister Equitum , and together they began the investigations. Their investigations increasingly disturbed the families of Rome, and Capua finally began in 319 BC. Openly revolt against Rome. The situation escalated when the Roman nobles demanded the conviction of Maenius and Foslius. Both gave up their offices and demanded a lawsuit from the consuls Lucius Papirius Cursor and Quintus Publius Philo, who were in office . The consuls agreed, and both men were acquitted.

With his fame intact, Maenius succeeded in 318 BC. To be elected censor together with Lucius Papirius Crassus . During his tenure he built balconies in the neighborhood of the Roman Forum, which he named after himself, " Maeniana ". The purpose of these was to give spectators more space to watch the games, which were held in wooden arenas on the forum. 314 BC During the Second Samnite War , rumors arose of a renewed revolt of Capua against Rome , which was to be led by Ovius and Novius Calavius. The goal is to split off Campania from the Roman alliance and join the Samnites. Alarmed by these rumors, Rom appointed Maenius dictator for the second time, who in turn reappointed Marcus Foslius Flaccinator as his “Magister Equitum”. Before Maenius could begin investigating the rumors, however, the Calavius ​​brothers took their own lives and thus evaded a trial.

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h i Smith 1867, p. 896.
  2. ↑ Titus Livius , Ab urbe condita 8:13.
  3. ↑ a b Smith 1867, p. 897
  4. ↑ Titus Livius, Ab urbe condita 9.25 f.
personal data
SURNAME Maenius, Gaius
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Roman politician and dictator
DATE OF BIRTH 4th century BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH after 314 BC Chr.